Election letters to the editor

According to Christian pollster George Barna, 38 million born again Christians who were registered to vote did not vote in the last presidential election. Obama won re-election by only 5 million votes. He should have been defeated, but he wasn’t because not enough right-thinking people did their duty.

Christians who don’t vote because “politics is dirty” need to change their attitude, Everything that humans are involved in is “dirty” because we are all sinners. Politics might be a little dirtier than most other human endeavors, but that’s no reason to avoid the voting booth.

Politics impacts all of our lives. Those entrusted with power to govern our nation make decisions and policies that either benefit or hurt America. If Christians want to protect religious liberty and keep government from promoting immorality, they must necessarily be involved in the political realm.

Voting is not only a privilege but also a duty. We cannot maintain our republic without an informed citizenry participating in the political process. America’s destiny hinges in large part on what happens at the ballot box on Tuesday.

Weyle is worth the wait

RICK PRYMEK

Muncie

There are six candidates running for just three open seats on the Muncie Community Schools Board. Frank Weyl will appear last on the ballot, so I am asking voters to save one of those three votes for Weyl, who has attended almost every school board meeting for the past few years.

MCS is facing many serious issues, and retired pharmacist Weyl has many years of executive experience hiring, firing, training, managing, and leading a business.

Some talk about the lack of transparency. At a recent school board meeting Weyl admonished the current board for limiting citizens to just three minutes to comment at a predetermined time in the meeting separate from the issues being considered.

There is talk about eliminating Common Core. As an acquaintance, I know that Weyl opposed Common Core before it was cool. Weyl knows that Common Core is a federal takeover of our local education system in direct contradiction to our state rights. The local school board should set our policies and curriculum, not Washington bureaucrats.

There is talk about budget shortfalls. Frank is aware that TIF districts and tax abatements affect school funding, and that there are compliance costs to federal programs.

Weyl believes that schools should concentrate on reading, writing, and arithmetic, and should enrich student reading skills through parent and volunteer participation.

Weyl proposes teaching ethics, morality, character, and the difference between right and wrong, and that schools should encourage students on how to think, not what to think.

Weyl is worth the wait.

A third choice for president

DUSTIN REED

Chairman, Libertarian Party of Delaware County

This election, we have more than the two choices the media tell us we have. Donald Trump, a former Democrat and a friend of the Clintons, has shown that he is unfit for the highest office in the land through his emotional instability and remarks toward women, Muslims and Mexicans.

Hillary Clinton is a ruthless career politician who, along with the DNC, bullied Bernie Sanders out of a nomination. She also has a short list of meaningful accomplishments and a long list of people she’s responsible for hurting.

Instead of the binary choices offered to us, I encourage you to take a look at Gary Johnson. Gary, along with his vice presidential pick Bill Weld (who is also a two-term successful governor), are the only rational choice. Gary and Bill are on the ballot in all 50 states and they are polling higher than Clinton and Trump among active duty military, independent voters and Millennials. Gary and Bill represent what our Founding Fathers fought for and envisioned our country to be: a government that stays out of your personal life and out of your pocket book.

Don’t buy into the myth of a wasted vote. The only wasted vote is one cast for the lesser of two evils and makes you hold your nose.

Support Alexander and Weyl

V.L. RABENSTEIN

Muncie

Perhaps you have seen me and some concerned friends at Wheeling and McGalliard waving campaign signs for Scott Alexander and Frank Weyl, the past few Saturdays?

You might wonder why I would spend one of the final nice days of fall waving signs. The answer is simple. I am willing to sacrifice a nice fall day or endure less-than-perfect weather because I want to show my enthusiastic support for two great local candidates. It’s fun to see people honk and wave, and these two deserve the attention.

Not everyone takes the time to educate themselves on all of the candidates, so perhaps my willingness to brave the weather for candidates I believe in, will be recognized by my friends and some of those undecided voters who drive by.

As someone passionate about good government and fiscally responsible public servants, I know that county council candidate Scott Alexander and Muncie Community Schools Board candidate Frank Weyl are excellent choices. Scott has proven his dedication these past four years and should be re-elected. They will serve our community well if you honor them with your vote.

Frank Weyl for school board

PEGGY COULTER

Muncie

I had the opportunity to hear Frank Weyl share his goals, one of which is to help increase the graduation rates for students. He suggests one way to accomplish this is by having parent and volunteer participation. This would also be helpful to teachers as they apportion their time among students with different needs.

I know first-hand how this helps since my church has adopted Sutton School. Volunteers go every week to read with students.

Volunteers go weekly just to “hang out” with students who need some stability in their lives. Each month, volunteers serve breakfast for students and their dads at 6:30 in the morning. This provides students and dads one-on-one time together. Each year backpacks filled with all supplies students need are provided so that everyone starts out well. At both Thanksgiving and Christmas, we serve a meal to Sutton students and their parents. And Sutton School administrators, teachers, and students know they are very cared for.

It’s time to stop criticizing. Frank Weyl wants us to make a difference for students.

Edwards would serve MCS well

LEZLIE WINTER

Assistant superintendent, Mississinewa Valley Schools

I would like to declare my support of Steve Edwards for the position of school board at Muncie Community Schools. I have had the privilege of working with Steve in two different capacities, one as athletic director at Muncie Burris High School while Steve was an administrator at Muncie Community Schools and secondly as an assistant superintendent at Mississinewa Community Schools while Steve was superintendent of Marion Community Schools.

Steve has a thorough knowledge of “best practices” in every aspect of education. This includes the school budget process, IDOE state reporting, Title One, exceptional education policies, curriculum development, building and grounds and the importance of having an excellent administrative and teacher staff.

With that knowledge and his commitment to young people, this enables him to express himself and lead others in establishing and reaching common goals that move a school system forward. He has a demeanor that allows him to connect with all types of people from every walk of life.

Steve Edwards believes in community. I’ve often heard him say that everyone in a community benefits from an outstanding school corporation and the school corporation benefits from an active community.

Furthermore, Steve’s moral qualities are above reproach. His colleagues respected his personal characteristics such as patience, consideration, and strong work ethic. He spent countless hours working with teachers, administrators and students, assisting them when needed and attending extra-curricular activities.

If given the opportunity, I am confident Steve Edwards will make a difference to Muncie and offer a great resource to the community.

Elect lawmakers who support families

MARIAN COOLEY

Muncie

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program is designed to help needy families achieve self-sufficiency. States receive block grants to design and operate programs that accomplish one of the purposes of the TANF program. Last year, Gov. Mike Pence took $3.5 million from TANF to fund Real Alternatives, a program that provides anti-abortion counseling and gives the clients inaccurate and misleading information on abortion.

Pence used federal block grant funds to implement his ultra-conservative religious agenda while he supported legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, which helps people avoid unintended pregnancies and provides affordable contraception. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services recently announced a major audit of Real Alternatives. It seems Real Alternatives accepted incomplete claims and double billings for couples in counseling, creating more than $485,000 in inappropriate payouts. An earlier review of Real Alternatives uncovered nearly a half million dollars in inappropriate billing and questions about money that the not-for-profit was skimming off the top of reimbursements.

His party said nothing when Pence withdrew funds from TANF to support anti-abortion counseling. They also said nothing when he blocked the state’s application process for $80 million in federal funds for pre-K education.

We need to elect legislators to pass legislation that supports children and families in need and that recognizes that women have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. We need legislators who will stand up to conservative forces that insist on imposing their views on all citizens.

William Walker for MCS board

REBECCA BLY

Muncie

One of the benefits of teaching is seeing former students become successful. William Walker was in one of my freshman honors English classes at Muncie Central. I remember him quite well. I saw him grow in that year. He was already mature and serious about his academics. But I also saw him grow in his extra-curricular activities.

William was tagged to be the varsity football quarterback in that freshman year, a responsibility that might have been daunting for some young men. In that season people questioned his ability because of his youth and inexperience. William focused on winning and learned game-by-game what worked and what could be improved. I saw that in his class work, also. He deflected the naysayers by his tenacity, character and integrity. He grew into a successful four-year quarterback for the Bearcats.

I believe in William Walker for the job he can do for MCS Board of Trustees. He has proven that his decisions have worked well for the betterment of any team he joins. I am proud of my former student, William Walker. Success has been a standard by which he has lived. He is a leader whom we can all be proud to see working for the success of our schools. He graduated with honors from Muncie Central High School. He attributes his success to the education he received there.

Let’s elect William Walker to MCS School Board. He is a product of MCS educational qualities, and I am so proud to see his success.

Problematic candidates

MARJORIE BENNETT

Muncie

Here is food for thought for anyone who feels Donald Trump is an embarrassment.

His words and actions of many years ago certainly are most hurtful. There is agreement there. No one should use such language toward another.

Do consider, however, the words and actions and possible consequences of the other candidate as I see them. There has been proven lying to authorities; acceptance of murdering babies; acceptance of same-sex marriage; acceptance of money from countries that engage in practices Hillary Clinton says she is against (mistreatment of women and children); in essence the murder of four Americans in Benghazi because no requested help was even attempted to be sent; suggesting Christians keep their belief inside the confines of their places of worship, and the potential threat of our national security because of classified material on hackable computers. No one should take these attitudes and actions against another.

In all honesty, each candidate is problematic. They, like all of us, are sinners and will be held, like all of us, accountable by God for all words and deeds.

The question is: Which is the least threat to our earthly and spiritual security? Both of these are protected by our Constitution.

Vote to keep Ed Yanos on job

BUTCH BAKER

Henry County Commissioner

While I have only been a Henry County Commissioner for almost two years, I have worked with Ed Yanos for several years on various projects. As the former sheriff, and as a very new commissioner, Ed Yanos accompanied Major Jay Davis, County Councilman Dick Bouslog, and myself to the National Criminal Justice Institute. This was a requirement for Henry County to begin its Criminal Justice Needs Assessment in order to conduct and successfully complete the requirements set forth by the National Institute of Corrections to provide the maximum results for Henry County.

Ed’s interest and dedication is not limited to one or two county issues, but all aspects of county government.

Ed is a quick study and has attended every Road School at Purdue, since becoming commissioner. As a result, the commissioners probably now have better oversight of the Henry County Highway Department than ever before.

As a Henry County farmer, Ed’s family farm is among the many that are the backbone of Henry County’s economy. Ed has taken the high road, recusing himself from votes on concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and on the Flatrock Wind Farm Project that was put in place prior to his tenure as commissioner. His actions reflect his strength in integrity and ethics.

Experience counts, which is why I urge you to keep Ed Yanos on the job as your Henry County Commissioner.

Unparalleled leadership in Senate

NATE LAMAR

New Castle

Over the years, I have recruited students to West Point, such as Ben Tolle (Muncie Central), Spencer Gray (Burris), Alex Raggio, Wiley Grant, and Brendan Gill (Delta), Ryan Tucker and Cael McCormick (Yorktown), to give young leaders the same opportunity I had. Any service academy hones leadership skills in ways unparalleled elsewhere. That is a reason why Todd Young (Annapolis ’95) is the best choice for U.S. Senate.

Following active-duty as a Marine intelligence officer, Todd returned to Indiana, and pursued law school, where he met his wife. He entered private practice in Paoli, and became an Orange County deputy prosecutor. Todd and Jenny put their faith into practice providing pro bono legal counsel to couples adopting children.

Todd served the House Armed Services, Budget, and Ways & Means committees. He was lead sponsor of the REINS Act, requiring congressional approval for new regulations with economic impact over $100 million. He sponsored the Save American Workers Act, removing incentives for employers to reduce employees’ hours to avoid Obamacare mandates. Todd signed the Term Limits Pledge to serve no more than two Senate terms, unlike his opponent.

Evan Bayh cast the deciding vote for Obamacare, voted for cap and trade (raises Hoosier electricity rates), and the big bank bail-out (thus feathering his nest for a hedge fund job after his Senate terms). Todd works across the aisle and has proven it by successfully passing three bills in an age of partisan gridlock. As a servant leader, Todd Young is the most effective choice.

Mysteries of an election

ROGER O. SHERWOOD

Muncie

Elections are as mysterious as an Alfred Hitchcock movie – filled with lies, deceit, violence, secrets, hypocrisy, revelations, and even occasional honesty, until the final denouement when the voter determines that the butler did not kill his master on Mount Rushmore after a chase through a cornfield and possibly in a shower in the Bates Motel; and so the butler takes his or her seat in the West Wing to sleuth through and solve the great mysteries which confront the nation.

Our challenges are deep-rooted and complex, and long-lasting solutions take unique and proven team and consensus-building skills. Mr. Edwards is a thoughtful and experienced leader who builds relationships and solutions – and this is a time where we desperately need these attributes.

The work that lies in front of the next Muncie Community Schools Board is daunting and it has broad and lasting implications. We must choose wisely.

Without a healthy school system serving our youth, we create headwinds for our community’s long-term economic growth.

I have personally known Mr. Edwards for 30 years and interacted with him when I was a student and athlete at Muncie Northside and Central High schools, as well as a member of the Muncie community on many projects over the years. He is from our community and has shown not only a willingness but a thirst to work with the south and north sides, unions and non-unions, rich and poor, black and white, etc.

When he joined Marion, the high school had been placed on academic probation; teacher morale was at an all-time low, and it was facing difficult fiscal decisions to keep our financial house in order.

When he left, though, just four short years later, the picture was different. Marion High School was an A-rated school; graduation rates ranged from 93-95 percent, and the budget surplus had grown to $20 million.

In August, the federal courts granted an injunction against the Indiana vape law which was set to go into effect on Sept. 1. At question was HR 1432 which State Rep. Kevin Mahan (representing Blackford County and the areas of Eaton and Royerton in Delaware County) authored in 2015. The law required vaping manufacturers to be certified by a security company (specializing in lock hardware) to sell e-liquids in Indiana. Mulhaupt’s, a Lafayette company, was the only company to meet those requirements. That company only certified a handful of the more than 100 vaping manufacturers to sell in Indiana. Furthermore, Mulhaupt’s hired a state rep. (Alan Morrison of Terre Haute) after he supported the bill.

A Florida manufacturer filed suit in federal court because the law broke federal laws by creating a monopoly on vaping liquids in Indiana and attempting to control interstate commerce, thus gaining the injunction against the law taking effect.

Furthermore, the FBI began an investigation into the authors and sponsors of the law to investigate the possibility of corruption. Unfortunately, the investigation will not be completed prior to the election. At the very least, Mr. Mahan and his colleagues who authored this bill should have foreseen the possible corruption questions and taken it to the House Ethics Committee for guidance. The people of District 31 need to know that their representative authored a controversial law which has been found to be against federal law and is being investigated for possible corruption.

Edwards’ track record at Marion excellent

SCOTT MURPHY

General Manager, Walmart Distribution Center

I served on the Marion Community School Board when we hired Steve Edwards to be our school superintendent. In 2008, when Marion High School was placed on academic probation, I had every reason in the world to care about my local schools. My job and my children’s future depended upon it.

Steve’s 30 years of experience in the school business, including as coach, teacher, building administrator and an assistant superintendent in Muncie, made for an impressive resume. He inherited some serious problems but was quick to wrap his arms around the issues and get to work.

He came at a time when:

• Marion High School had been placed on academic probation by the state.

• Teacher morale was at an all-time low; they had worked three years without a contract.

• We were facing difficult fiscal decisions to keep our financial house in order

When he retired, just four short years later, the picture was very different.

• Marion High School was an A-rated school

• Graduation rates ranged from 93-95 percent

• Trust had been rebuilt with teachers

• Steve helped navigate the difficult decision to close two elementary schools and reconfigure our middle school system.

• The budget surplus had grown to $20 million

You have some difficult choices to make, Muncie. You can do no better than to have Steve Edwards working for you. I urge you to vote for him on Nov. 8.

Edwards deserves seat on MCS board

LEIGH CARTER EDWARDS

Muncie

I write to share my highest support for my father-in-law, Steve Edwards, for Muncie Community Schools Board. True, as a family member my opinion may be biased, but this also gives me a unique insight to his heart for education and specifically for MCS. Steve started as a young man teaching at Northside High School. He served as a successful coach and mentor to runners for years and also served as the NHS athletic director. He then served as the assistant principal at MCHS, was the director of the Muncie Career Center, and retired as assistant superintendent of MCS.

His retirement was short-lived as he was approached by the Marion School system and later took the superintendent’s job with Marion Community Schools. There he completely turned the school system around in a positive direction both academically and fiscally. For his service in education in both our community as well as Marion, he was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award.

I believe one of the most important skills Steve brings to the table is his ability to take people with differing opinions and backgrounds and get them to work together toward the best resolution. He values the teachers in Muncie, can definitely see the point of view of the superintendent, and is an active community member who has a good read on the concerns that residents have for the future of MCS.

I believe Steve Edwards is Muncie’s best choice for school board. Please consider giving him your vote.